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Aguma, A Shining Star, Rivers SEC Declares …Late AG Worked For Independent Judiciary …As Body Interred Amidst Prayers,Thanksgiving

Published

7 years ago

September 17, 2018

Members of the Rivers State Executive Council have described the late Attorney-General of Rivers State, Hon Emmanuel Aguma (SAN) as a shining star who played a key role in the translation of the New Rivers Development Blueprint into reality.
In a Special Executive Council session chaired by Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, the council members stated that Aguma worked for the state with dedication and passion.
In his address, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike stated that the late Attorney-General served the state with passion and helped move the state forward.
He noted that the late Attorney-General of Rivers State was passionate about his duties and loved attaining great results for the state.
The governor said: “He had a great life of service and achievements. He ran a good race and served the state in a worthy manner”.
Wike noted that the sudden death of Hon Emmanuel Aguma hit the state so hard, but added that the state government must bear the painful loss.
The Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo said the passion and drive of the late Attorney-General of Rivers State entrenched the development processes attained by the state since 2015.
Rivers State Women Affairs Commissioner, Mrs Ukel Oyaghiri said the death of Emmanuel Aguma was a bitter pill to swallow, and described him as the best Attorney-General any state would wish for.
She said: “Emmanuel Aguma served Rivers State with zeal that never wavered. He was such an asset to the state”.
Commissioner for Sports, Hon Boma Iyaye said that the departed Attorney-General took him like a brother and guided him on the path of service.
Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Governor, Engr Chukwuemeka Woke said that Aguma was a defender of the rule of law who staked his life to promote constitutional governance.
Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Sir Kenneth Kobani said late Aguma showed uncommon brilliance and increased the depth of knowledge at the Rivers State Executive Council.
Head of Service of Rivers State, Mr Rufus Godwins said that the late Attorney-General of Rivers State acted like a cameo and left the stage when the ovation was loudest.
A guard of honour heralded the arrival of the late Attorney-General of Rivers State to the Executive Council Chamber.
He was received by the Rivers State Governor and his deputy.
Members of the Rivers State Executive Council paid their last respect to the late Attorney-General of Rivers State as his remains lay in state at the chambers.
Meanwhile, the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Adama Inyie Iyaye-Lamikanra has described the late Attorney General of Rivers State, Hon Emmanuel Aguma (SAN) as an outstanding professional who made valuable contributions for the independence of the Rivers State Judiciary.
In a ruling during a Special Valedictory Court Session in honour of the late Attorney General of Rivers State at the Rivers State High Court Complex, last Saturday, Justice Iyaye-Lamikanra said that the late Aguma worked hard for the Bar and Bench.
While noting that he was the first Honourable Attorney General of Rivers State to die in active service, she added that he was a shining example of the irrepressible Rivers spirit.
She said: “He was a shining example of the irrepressible Rivers spirit. He lived a life of service to Rivers State and Nigeria.
“He was an outstanding Honourable Attorney General who contributed to the independence of the Judiciary”.
The Rivers State Chief Judge emphasised that late Attorney General of Rivers State used his office to advance the welfare of judges and lawyers.
“He died when his services were most needed, leaving us with the need to search for another Emmanuel”, the Chief Judge declared.
The Chief Judge ruled that the late Attorney General of Rivers State be released to his family for burial.
In his remarks, President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr Paul Usoro (SAN) praised the departed Attorney General of Rivers State for combining professional practice and NBA activities.
Speaking on behalf of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Dr T. E. Osakpor (SAN) lauded Aguma for his commitment to ethical law practice.
Former NBA President, Chief Onueze Okocha (SAN), who spoke for the Body of Benchers said that Aguma was never found wanting in the discharge of professional responsibilities.
The Body of Attorney- Generals of Nigeria, represented by Sani Daudu said Aguma impacted positively on the legal profession.
Chairman of NBA, Port Harcourt Branch, Mr Sylvester Adama said the infrastructural contributions of Aguma to the Bar and Bench would remain evergreen.
The Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, attended the Valedictory Court session.
Moreso, despite the fact that the late Attorney-General of Rivers State, Emmanuel Chinwenwo Aguma’s sun set at noon, prominent Nigerians across political, social and economic divides gathered at the Saint Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, Port Harcourt for his solemn funeral service.
The solemn funeral service marked by prayers and transitional hymns was formally kick-started by the heart-touching reading of the late Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice’s biography by his daughter, Miss Onyi Aguma, who stated that alongside her mother, Mrs Inime Aguma , they sang a hymn that ushered Aguma into the presence of God.
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi , Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Gabriel Emmanuel honoured the Attorney-General of Rivers State with their presence.
Also present were former Rivers State Governors, Peter Odili, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Celestine Ngozichim Omehia.
Former Senate President, Iyorchia Ayu, former Imo State Governor, Achike Udenwa, Senator Magnus Abe, National and State Assembly members were at the church to comfort members of the bereaved Aguma family.
In a sermon, Archbishop of Anglican Province of Niger Delta, Most Rev. Tunde Adeleye urged all Nigerians to work towards living according to the desires of God in order to inherit eternal life.
Adeleye prayed God to comfort the leaders of Rivers State, the family of Aguma and forestall such a painful untimely death.
In a funeral oration, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike noted that the late Attorney-General of Rivers State was instrumental to the massive infrastructural development in the state Judiciary and the Bar.
He announced that the Rivers State Government would re-name the Judges’ Quarters after the late Attorney-General of Rivers State when the facility was completed.
Wike thanked the Aguma family for giving the late Emmanuel Aguma (SAN) to the state for unparalleled service.
He stated that the state government would not forget the Aguma family.
The governor informed that to cement the relationship, the wife of late Attorney-General of Rivers State would be drafted into the Rivers State Executive Council.
He said: “The late Attorney-General of Rivers State was strong willed and he was loyal to the core. He was a man with character.
“His death is very painful. His service to the state will never be in vain. Having made sacrifices, the State will continue to honour him”.
Earlier on Saturday, the corpse of the late Attorney-General of Rivers State was taken to the hall of Orogbum Community, Rebisi in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area where chiefs and leaders paid tribute to him and repeatedly fired traditional canons.
President General of Orogbum Community Council, Pastor Theophilus Akugbo said Aguma was a peace maker who brokered peace within Ogbum-Nu-Abali community over disputed land issue that threatened the peace of the area.
The remains were also taken to his family residence where family chiefs and elders paid their respects at the Obiri Oro-Ede.
The remains of the late Attorney-General of Rivers State, Emmanuel Chinwenwo Aguma (SAN) were laid to rest at his family home at Orogbum after graveside prayers and benediction.

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PANDEF Hails Tinubu For Lifting Emergency Rule In Rivers

Published

5 days ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has hailed the lifting of the State of Emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

In a statement signed by Board members and National Executive Committee members, yesterday, PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu for rectifying what they described as an anomaly.

The statement was co-signed by Co-Chairmen, PANDEF Board of Trustees, Alfred Diette-Spiff and Obong Victor Attah, National Chairman Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, and National Secretary, Beks Dagogo-Jack.

Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State on the 18th of March, 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, and members of the state House of Assembly for six months in the first instance.

In place of the governor, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as Sole Administrator.

However, Tinubu announced the suspension of the Emergency Rule on Wednesday, stating, “It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State shall end with effect from midnight today (Wednesday).”

The Forum commended Fubara’s unwavering perseverance and “faith in the divine will of Almighty God,” while also commending the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension.

“The Board and National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, the apex socio-political organisation representing the South-South geopolitical zone, joins millions of Nigerians in welcoming the lifting of the state of emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

“While PANDEF had expressed strong reservations regarding the erstwhile emergency rule, we commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for taking this bold step to rectify the anomaly.

“We welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara back to his elected office and salute his unwavering perseverance and faith in the divine will of Almighty God. We extend similar commendations to the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Oduah, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension,” the statement read.

Addressing Rivers people, the forum declared, “Light has returned to the state and a new glorious dawn has come. A moment in which the bitter pains of the past months will inspire all to rededicate themselves to true mutual forbearance, new alignments and forward movement.”

They urged political leaders and citizens to put the past behind them and work towards the collective good of the State, while pledging to support Rivers’ developmental trajectory under Fubara.

“All hearts and hands must therefore be joined together to put the past behind us and work towards the collective good of the state.

“We look forward to the State’s return to normalcy and the resumption of its developmental trajectory under the leadership of Governor Fubara and his team. PANDEF reiterates its commitment to supporting the government and people of Rivers State in their pursuit of progress and development,” the statement added.

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RSG Approves Full Rehabilitation of State Secretariat …Unveils Housing Scheme for Civil Servants, Honours Veterans

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Eteh Ibas (Rtd), has approved the complete rehabilitation and modernization of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex to enhance efficiency and productivity in the civil service.

Ibas made the announcement at the 2025 Civil Service Week Gala and Awards Ceremony held at Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday,.

He disclosed that “initiative is designed to transform the secretariat into a modern, efficient and conducive work environment, directly supporting the civil servants who form the backbone of the state’s governance.”

The Administrator also approved the provision of 106 housing units for civil servants in the State.

Ibas paid glowing tribute to retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, describing them as the bedrock of the state’s administration.

He stated that the awards ceremony was a symbol of deep appreciation for decades of sacrifice, resilience, and commitment.

“These interventions are designed to not only recognize your service, but also to improve your welfare in tangible and lasting ways,” the Administrator stated.

“We must build an administration that is efficient, effective, and truly citizen-centric,” he added.

The Administrator urged serving officers to draw inspiration from their predecessors and strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of citizens.

He emphasized the importance of embracing innovation, technology, and continuous training to build a civil service equipped for the future.

The Acting Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi Brown, in her welcome address, described the civil service as the “engine room of government” and expressed profound gratitude to the Administrator for his unwavering support and commitment to its modernization.“

“A society that does not honour its heroes is not worthy of emulation,” Dr. Brown remarked, lauding the retirees as torchbearers of discipline and loyalty.

She pledged to build on their legacy through reforms and innovation, projecting that the Rivers State Civil Service would become a model of efficiency and transparency by 2030.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, President of the Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries, Sir Promise Njowhor,

expressed heartfelt appreciation for the historic recognition.

“For once, since the creation of the State, we are being honoured,” Njowhor said, adding, “Our morale has been lifted.”

He pledged the association’s continuous support for government programmes, describing the body of experienced retirees as a resource available to contribute to state development.

The rehabilitation of the State Secretariat and the new housing scheme represent a major investment in the infrastructure and dignity of public service in Rivers State, signaling a new era of support for the civil servants who drive the government’s policies and programmes.

The Tide reports that the Administrator also conferred awards of meritorious service on retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries in the State

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Rivers LG Poll: APC Wins 20 chairmanship seats, PDP Clears Three

Published

3 weeks ago

September 1, 2025

The Tide

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won 20 out of the 23 local government areas in the just concluded local government election in the State, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clinched three local governments.

According to the results released by the Rivers State independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), yesterday, the APC won the chairmanship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Opobo Nkoro, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana local government areas.

APC also won in Gokana, Tai, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche, Omuna, Akuku Toru, Asari Toru, Degema, Ikwerre and Emohua local government areas.

The Commission, however, said the PDP won in Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, and Ogba Egbema Ndoni local government areas.

Chairman of the Commission, Dr Michael Odey, who announced the results at the Commission headquarters in Port Harcourt, said Ofori Owolabi of the APC scored 28,755 votes to emerge winner of the election for Abua Odual while Solomon Ochomma, also of the APC, emerged chairman elect for Ahoada East after scoring 54,509 votes.

Odey said Eugene Epelle also of the APC scored 84,125 votes to emerge winner in Ahoada West, while Bob Fubara was elected the chairman-elect for Akuku Toru after scoring 63,593 votes.

Similarly APC chairmanship candidate Lucky Otuo Promise emerged chairman-elect for Andoni after scoring a total of 126,181 votes, APC’s George Onengiyeofori emerged winner in Asari Toru after scoring 56,383 votes, while Pepple Blessing Abinye garnered 13,543 votes to emerge winner in Bonny Local Government Area.

Other APC candidates elected include Michael John Williams who scored 16,536 votes to emerge chairman-elect for Degema Local Government; Obarlllormate Ollor (77,452) for Eleme; Dr Chidi Julius Lloyd (114,380) for Emohua; Njoku Boniface (100,649) for Etche; Confidence Deekor (96,478) for Gokana, while Wobodo Charles got 62,746 votes to emerge winner in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

Other APC winners from the APC include Akuro Tobins (32,285 votes) for Okrika; Hon Obasi Uchechukwu (38,530) for Omuma; James A James (38,822) for Opobo Nkoro; Vincent Nemieboka (36,374) for Ogu/Bolo; Hon Mbakpone Okpe (70,080) for Tai LGA, while in Oyigbo, Okechukwu Akara scored 101,495 votes to emerge winner.

Meanwhile, the RSIEC chairman announced Dr Gift Worlu of the PDP with 328,823 votes to emerge winner in Obio Akpor; Shedrack Ogbogu, also of the PDP, scored 51,051 votes for Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area, while in Port Harcourt City, Sir Alwell Ihunda garnered 235,054 votes for PDP to emerge winner.

The APC also cleared the councillorship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche,Tai, Khana Opobo/Nkoro and Degema local government areas.

Similarly APC councillorship candidates also emerged winners in Asari Toru, Degema, Akuku Toru, Gokana and Khana while PDP cleared the councillorship seats in Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt city, and Ogba Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Areas

Meanwhile, the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions has passed a vote of confidence on the just concluded local government election in the State.

National Chairman of the forum, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, said this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt.

Eri said all the chairmen across the country were in Port Harcourt to monitor the election as well as gain experience in an election under emergency rule.

John Bibor & King Onunwor